West Ham close in on Blackburn defender

The Hammers boss is desperate to bring in another left-back after George Mccartney injured a knee and he has targeted the Swede.

Olsson, 24, came through the ranks at Blackburn and established himself as a first-team regular during Allardyce's spell as manager at Ewood Park.

Speaking about the defender, Allardyce said: "We have made an enquiry. There are ongoing negotiations at the moment."

Hammers co-chairman David Gold is currently suffering from pneumonia but Allardyce says his illness will not affect any transfers this month.

He added: "There's still a communication line to him if David Sullivan needs to. We're as active as anyone else."

Meanwhile, Allardyce said that on-loan striker Andy Carroll, who has been sidelined since sustaining a knee injury against Manchester United last month, is at least a fortnight away from a return to first-team action.

He said: "Andy's not fit yet. It's a bit difficult to put a time on it but it will be a couple of weeks now."